A.M. Best Affirms Excellent Ratings

Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, August 4th , 2014: A.M. Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) and the issuer credit ratings (ICR) of “A-” of Guardian Life of the Caribbean Limited (GLOC) and Guardian General Insurance Limited (GGIL). Concurrently, A.M. Best has affirmed the ICR of “bbb-” of Guardian Holdings Limited (GHL).

According to the release dated July 30, 2014 from A.M. Best Company, “The affirmation of the ratings of GLOC and GGIL reflect GHL's fairly stable leverage position, consolidated balance sheet strength and premium growth over the past several years. The consistent profitability of GLOC and GGIL, which are core insurance subsidiaries of GHL, enhances the overall strength of GHL's balance sheet and debt servicing capabilities.”

The premier rating agency indicted that Guardian Life of the Caribbean Limited (GLOC) was recognized for its strategic position within the GHL group, strong competitive position in the Trinidad and Tobago market, consistently positive operating results from its life and pension and health insurance lines and its adequate level of risk-adjusted capitalization.

Guardian General Insurance Limited (GGIL) was acknowledged in its ratings as leading regional market presence, historically profitable operating performance and more than adequate risk-adjusted capitalization. Additionally, GGIL's strong return metrics and underwriting performance compare favorably with its property/casualty Caribbean peers.

According to Guardian Holdings CEO, Ravi Tewari “the consistency in our AM Best rating of both GLOC and GGIL is testimony to our unflinching focus on quality and efficiency in our operations across Guardian Group. Our commitment is to core business, in core markets within the English and Dutch speaking Caribbean, with the best service available in our industry.”